Becoming an Ultrasound Technician in Arkansas - AR

Steps to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Arkansas

Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent. All ultrasound technicians must obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent before they are admitted to a sonography training program in Arkansas. They should gain a strong background in English, mathematics, communications, and biology during their secondary careers, and focus on excelling at their courses (sonography programs are highly selective).

Become certified in CPR. Sonography programs require their incoming students to be certified in CPR. Applicants can take CPR classes through their local community college, fire department, church, synagogue, temple, or town hall. The program only takes a few weeks, and the certification is valid for two years.

Undergo a full physical examination. Aspiring Ultrasound Technicians should be physically capable of performing the tasks and procedures of their future job. To ensure that all applicants are in good health, all certification programs require their certificants to submit a full physical examination form.

Be up-to-date with all vaccinations. Incoming candidates should be up-to-date with their tetanus, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, measles, and varicella vaccinations. If an applicant has not gone through the hepatitis B vaccination series, he should begin his vaccination schedule at least six months before he applies to his certification program.

Complete an ARRT-approved sonography program. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is Arkansas' preferred licensing body. Before candidates sit for the ARRT exam, they must go through a program that teaches them the key concepts of the profession and prepares them with adequate clinical experience.

Purchase malpractice insurance. All Arkansas candidates are required to purchase malpractice insurance before they begin their clinical externships. If they need help with any part of this process, they can seek assistance from their academic institution.

Gain clinical experience. Accredited institutions will provide future ultrasound technicians with enough experience to sit for the ARRT exam. The training includes 29 mandatory procedures, which must be completed on various parts of a patient's body. Candidates should display a solid understanding of all 29 procedures, patient identification, basic protocol, patient positioning, and other key elements before they take the licensing exam.

Apply for ARRT primary certification. Once Arkansas applicants have successfully completed a certification program and satisfied their clinical experience requirements, they need to apply for certification through the ARRT.

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. A bachelor's degree is not necessary, but it can give a candidate a professional edge over other candidates. DMS Bachelor's degree programs expand upon the skills gained in associate's and certification programs.